Published: October 23, 2025
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Karen Burke knows firsthand how quickly life can change.
While getting ready for church on April 20, 2025, Karen noticed some swelling in her ankle and discomfort in her lower left leg. In the moment, she didn’t think too much about it. That changed during the worship service. Karen’s symptoms worsened, and her muscles started to tighten.
“At that point, I knew something was wrong,” said Karen, 56, of Louisville. “After church, we went straight to the emergency room at Norton West Louisville Hospital.”
During Karen’s triage process at the emergency department, one of the nurses noticed a few spots on Karen’s leg and immediately consulted with the emergency medicine physician working that day. Upon further examination, the nurse and physician noticed additional spots on her leg and what appeared to be bruising on her calf. The care team started an IV and expedited bloodwork to find out what was causing Karen’s symptoms.
Results revealed that Karen had a serious bacterial infection that was attacking her skin. She would need immediate surgery.
The team quickly prepared Karen for an ambulance transfer to Norton Hospital in downtown Louisville, where a surgery team would be waiting. To ensure the best possible care, one of the nurses from Norton West Louisville Hospital rode in the ambulance with Karen so she could continue an IV en route.
“The nurse [at the emergency department] paid attention to me,” Karen said. “She was observant and noticed my leg right away. I want them to know how grateful I am. I’m here today because they cared and paid attention.”
According to Karen, the team at Norton Hospital began surgery within 30 minutes of her arrival. Her medical team wanted to act quickly to prevent the infection from potentially spreading into her bloodstream, which could have made her situation even more serious, even perhaps deadly.
Following surgery, Karen spent a few days recovering in the hospital before beginning a lengthy healing process that continued for several months. She completed several rounds of antibiotics and worked with the Norton Wound Healing Center team at Norton Audubon Hospital. By early August, doctors determined that her largest wound officially had closed.
To this day, Karen has no idea how she acquired the infection. She’s just thankful for the exceptional care she’s received throughout her journey, and she’s grateful to be returning to work this fall. Karen is ready to get back to living her best life.
Mostly, she’s grateful to everyone who has cared for her throughout the Norton Healthcare system.
“I would like to thank the doctors and everyone who cared for me,” Karen said. “They saved my life. I want them to know how grateful I am. With their help and the grace of God, I’m alive today.”